After listening to Giles' story, a smile slowly spread across Eli's face. Her blue eyes sparkled with her appreciation for his accomplishments and pride in her agency's work. She nodded in approval, her posture relaxed yet confident, delighted with the boost she and Sylvie had given to her friend's business.

"Giles", she began, her voice filled with warmth, "it's wonderful to hear that our advertising agency has been able to contribute to the image and awareness of your business. It's great to know that the print advertising and tasting events have been successful. The partnerships with local restaurants and bars sound are a great strategy to reach more customers. Sylvie and I are delighted to be part of your business' progress towards stability and growth." She grinned. "Let's continue our successful collaboration!"

Giles, on the other hand, exuded a sense of relief and satisfaction. His shoulders, which had been tense at the start of the conversation, seemed to relax. His clear blue eyes met Eli's with a look of gratitude, and he gave a small, appreciative nod. The corners of his mouth turned upwards into a subtle contented smile.

"Giles, as I listened to you, I saw something in you that I didn't see before. Your strength is not about being bossy or controlling. It's about being tough, determined, and brave to face problems directly. The vulnerabilities you showed me don't mean you are weak. In fact, they show your strength."

"I am further impressed by how you listen and use advice from Sylvie, me, and our young female friends. You didn't just listen to Sylvie but also to Angela. And making Amanda the office manager? That was a great move. It shows you respect their skills and are open to new ideas, no matter who they come from. Giles, this shows you are a real leader. Your actions tell a lot about your character and the values in your business."

Upon hearing Eli's observation, Giles was visibly moved. His pale blue eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened as he absorbed her words. A moment of silence passed as he let the compliment sink in. Then, he smiled a genuine, warm smile that reached his eyes. He nodded in appreciation, acknowledging the truth in her words. His response was humble and sincere, "Eli, your words mean a lot to me. I've always believed in the strength of resilience, determination, and facing challenges head-on. And yes, Sylvie, Angela, and Amanda have been very important in my success. I'm glad I could see Angela and Amanda's potential and involve them in my business. Thank you." His gratitude was evident in his voice, and his appreciation for Eli deepened. It was a significant moment in their relationship.

Following my previous post about leaving Virgin Media - they messed it up again. Instead of paying me the stated refund, they billed me right up to when they disconnected my broadband, instead of when they should have done and sent me a bill showing a partial refund. Another call today and they've agreed to cancel the refund, credit the account with the cost of the extra days and refund the total amount. We'll see what happens next!

Surely Grockles are fair game! and its good for the local exchequer. Or does the money never see the light of day...

Quote from: Trainfish on April 18, 2024, 12:11:13 AMSpeeding tickets. Ok so I hold my hands up and admit I was doing 36 in a 30 on a road which could easily be mistaken for a 50 limit but I'm not bitter, of course not. What I am unhappy about though is the underhanded way our company's fleet management firm went about things. On a Monday morning they send me an email saying they need to check my licence and need a check code which only I can supply. I send them that thinking that they haven't asked for this for 2.5 years when they should request it once a year so fair enough. Then Tuesday afternoon my company contacts me to say the fleet management company have sent them a copy of a speeding ticket and charged them £15 for the privilege of doing the admin and I have to pay the £15! So it seems I'll be fined by Devon & Cornwall police and also fined by the fleet management company 

The Kingsteignton bypass is a 40 and it should be a 60, it's painful to drive on. The average speed cameras are gainfully employed nabbing the Grockles every summer.

Quote from: sg on Yesterday at 11:18:00 PM

Quote from: class8mikado on Yesterday at 03:49:11 PMThese dont come up very often, what would be a sensible price do you think ?

Where these the Scot Rail ones? Looking at the new MK3 price up to £150 would seem reasonable.

No, they're blue/grey loco hauled mk3s, but with Scottish running numbers from the push/pull pool.

CM001 was the original run of Scotrail liveried ones.

The NGS do indeed do a kit for the Iron Mink/Gunpowder van. It's number 13. A transfer sheet is also available. Both kit and transfers very reasonably priced.

Quote from: Newportnobby on Today at 11:18:23 AMhttps://www.dapol.co.uk/blogs/news/june-uk-produced-n-gauge-wagon-releases

Basically the GPV is a very old model going back to early days of Dapol N, on the plus side given it's age and simple design and it does mean the RRP is very low by today's standards which will suit the price conscious I guess and as far as I know it is the only model ever produced RTR in N (NGS may do a kit).

One question/reflection - does anyone know what "Profiles wheels" might be intended to mean?    My guess it might be intending to refer to the relevant wheel profile used, but it might be better to say nothing than something meaningless. I suspect a case of the ad not being properly vetted before going out  .

Roy

Yes thats right,  a set just came up on EBAY but  £ 225 for the set plus a Farish DBSO seems expensive ( and i already have a DBSO). Hoping that C&M might do another run as the previous 2 sold out years ago...

"Thank you, Giles, for sharing your challenging times. I want to know how you handled this crisis and made your business stable again. Can you tell me what steps you took? I think your experience can teach us a lot if our business has similar problems."

"As I've said, Eli, steering my wine and spirits importing business out of the crisis wasn't easy, but I've managed to find my way back to stability and, now, even profitable growth. To answer your question, I've made customer service my top priority. My small staff, led by your housemate, Amanda Morgan, is well-versed in our offerings, and she ensures that every customer inquiry or complaint is handled promptly and effectively. Thanks to Sylvie's marketing expertise, I've even introduced loyalty programs to keep our customers coming back."

Eli nodded appreciatively. "You've certainly proved your dedication to customer service by ensuring that the Trevelvers and their local friends all had their fine Italian wines delivered before Christmas Day!"

Giles smiled. "I've also been very selective about the products we import and sell. I focus on items that allow me to make a significant markup, and I've secured some exclusive deals for unique products that you won't find anywhere else, such as Riccardo Bianchi's special wines.

"I didn't just guess what would sell, though, Eli. I've done my homework, conducting market research to understand which wines and spirits are in demand among my target customers, again suggested by Sylvie, and which ones will give me the most profit, as recommended by another of your housemates, Angela Evans, when she was my PA and before she, very deservedly, became your Finance Director", he smiled warmly.

"And while I'm committed to delivering top-quality products and services, I've also been mindful of my costs. I've negotiated better deals with my suppliers, optimised my logistics and storage, helped by Jim, and, again, thanks to Angela, found ways to reduce my overheads.

"Plus, thanks to your and Sylvie's agency, I've increased the visibility of my business. I've invested in your very effective print advertising and have been hosting tasting events, such as the one Lisa Silverwood attended, where she first met Riccardo Bianchi. I've also partnered with upmarket local restaurants, bars, and cafés, like the 'Café Bohème' on Carnaby Street, where another one of your housemates, Jenny Davies, works, to reach more customers."

"Very good, Giles. Sylvie and I love that café, and Riccardo Bianchi's special wines served there."

"Finally, I've diversified my product range to include French and Italian fine cheeses and cured and smoked meats to cater to a wider audience and reduce my dependence on a few products."

"That makes good sense, Giles."

"Thank you, Eli. So, these are the strategies that have helped me navigate through the crisis and put the business on the right track. I'll continue to adapt and innovate to ensure its continued success."

As Giles finished his story, the silence of the night seemed to deepen, as the snowflakes fell around them. For Eli, it was a moment of vulnerability, a testament to his strength, and a glimpse into the successful businessman he had become. His openness to help and advice from those around him, including young women, showed his respect for others and his willingness to learn and grow. This quality made him not just a successful businessman, but also a great leader and mentor. And, she whispered to herself, a great client, friend and, maybe, more.